Learn to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition.
Utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), this specialized course provides perspectives on injuries and trauma that are beyond those physical in nature. The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, the workplace, the military, faith-based organizations, mass disaster venues, and even the demands of more commonplace critical events, e.g., dealing with the psychological aftermath of accidents, robberies, suicide, homicide, or community violence. In addition, the RAPID model has been found effective in promoting personal and community resilience.
Participants will increase their abilities to:
- Discuss key concepts related to PFA
- Listen reflectively
- Differentiate benign, non-incapacitating psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions from more severe, potentially incapacitating, crisis reactions
- Prioritize (triage) psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions
- Mitigate acute distress and dysfunction, as appropriate
- Recognize when to facilitate access to further mental health support
- Practice self-care
Developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Open Education Lab.

Instructor

About Johns Hopkins University

The mission of The Johns Hopkins University is to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for life-long learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world....

Frequently Asked Questions

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When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.

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What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

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What is the refund policy?

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Is financial aid available?

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Does the verified certificate mean that I'm certified to render psychological first aid?

No, the verified certificate means that you have successfully completed this course by achieving the course learning objectives. This course introduces you to the concepts and PFA and the Johns Hopkins RAPID PFA model, but does not provide all of the training and practice necessary to fully prepare you to render psychological first aid in a disaster setting. You are strongly encouraged to seek additional training before rendering psychological first aid.

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Does this course contain anything disturbing?

The subject matter of this course requires the exploration of some traumatic situations and events that are potentially disturbing to some learners. For example, fires, floods, and violent crimes are occasionally referenced within the course.

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I've experienced a traumatic event. Is this course a place to seek and receive help?

No, this course is an opportunity to learn how to offer psychological first aid to others, not help yourself. It is not a suitable venue for seeking or receiving the help that you need. Rather we suggest that you contact your local mental health agency, or state associations for psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers. They can often provide you with a list of resources, some at no cost, for receiving the help you need. For more urgent needs you should contact a local crisis telephone hotline, visit an emergency room, or simply dial 911 and ask for assistance.